These lists has been compiled by Volunteers serving in [[{{#explode:Packing list for Ukraine| |3}} {{#explode:Packing list for Ukraine| |4}} {{#explode:Packing list for Ukraine| |5}}]] based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that experience is individual. There is no perfect list!

This list has been compiled by Volunteers serving in Ukraine and is based on their experience. Use it as an informal guide in making your own list, bearing in mind that experience is individual. There is no perfect list! You obviously cannot bring everything we mention, so consider those items that make the most sense to you personally and professionally. You can always have things sent to you later. As you decide what to bring, keep in mind that you have a 100-pound weight limit on baggage. And remember, you can get almost everything you need in Ukraine.

Luggage should be tough and flexible, like duffel bags and backpacks without external frames. When choosing luggage, remember that you will be hauling it in and out of buses and trains and often lugging it around on foot (there are no porters!).

Contents

Bring comfortable, professional-looking clothes that are appropriate for many occasions and can be layered according to the weather. (Note: you are expected to dress professionally during training.) Because you may be wearing the same clothes for two years, quality is more important than quantity. It is culturally acceptable in Ukraine to have a small wardrobe, so do not overpack. In addition, clothes should be wrinkle-free (polyester-cotton blends are recommended), easy to clean, and dark colored (you are likely to be washing your clothes by hand and cleaning whites is a chore!). It is possible to buy clothes in Ukraine, but selection and sizes are limited in the smaller towns. The price of clothing is also expensive relative to your living allowance. There are second-hand stores in Ukraine that get clothes mostly from the UK.

Mid-weight coat for spring and fall and possibly a light jacket

Full-length, winter coat or parka with lining (it is possible to buy a good, winter coat in country; outdoorsy, 'tech' coats like Columbia, North Face, etc. will stand out)

Professional-looking Slacks (Dark-Colored, Wrinkle-Free recommended) - In most cases, khakis with a blazer and tie are acceptable in schools and universities. Note, however, that khaki pants are a rarity and will certainly distinguish a Volunteer from his colleagues as most Ukrainian men prefer to wear dark-colored trousers. Community Development Volunteers should have at least one suit.

Shirts for professional wear

Blazer

Sweaters - For layering, Ukrainian men commonly wear sweaters and often the same one in the same week. Sweaters are available here, but are mostly acrylic or a blend.

Comfortable, durable shoes for work (you will be doing a lot of walking), which are not easy to find in Ukraine (quality shoes are very expensive and the rest of the selection is low quality and expensive for what you are getting)

Warm, waterproof boots that are dressy enough to wear with work clothes and large enough to wear with a pair of warm socks. Although boots are widely available in Ukraine, large sizes may be hard to find. Also, professional boots for women typically have a high heel. It is better to start with a high-quality pair ahead of time than to have to invest in possibly multiple pairs after arrival. Shoe and boot repair shops are ubiquitous.

Heavy-duty sandals - sandals are common in the summer (brands like Teva, Chaco, and Keen are recommended)

Athletic shoes - high quality athletic shoes are expensive in Ukraine (if you are a runner or anticipate playing sports bring a nice pair of sneakers)

Slippers - you will wear these a lot, as Ukrainians remove their shoes as soon as they walk in the door, but they are readily available in Ukraine

Traction aids (e.g., Yaktrax): Walking on slippery roads in winter might be challenging as it increases risk of falls and traumatic injuries; traction aids will help you feel confident and safe when walking on ice.

Unless you have to have specific brands, you can get almost everything you need—e.g., shampoo, conditioner, lotion, shaving cream, toothpaste, antiperspirant, hairspray, coloring products, razors—in Ukraine. Things to consider bringing:

Two pairs of eyeglasses, if you wear them; also consider bringing a repair kit

Two-year supply of contacts lens solutions (the Peace Corps does not provide supplies for contacts)

Three-month supply of any prescription medication you take

Makeup (also available in Ukraine if you are not particular about brand)

Start-up supply of feminine hygiene products (widely available in stores, bazaars, and kiosks, but it may take some time to determine where to get what you want)

Moisturizing hand cream

Hand sanitizer that does not require water

Foot aids such as pads for corns, if you have tender feet

Tweezers

Nail clipper or emery boards (although they can be found in Ukraine as well)

Dental floss (which can also be found in bigger towns and cities, but rarely in small towns and villages)

Special vitamins or supplements (the Peace Corps provides multivitamins) Kitchen

You can easily buy most kitchen supplies in Ukraine. There are a few items, however, you might consider bringing:

Basic cookbook (bring a vegetarian cookbook if you prefer vegetarian dishes); a cookbook of dishes that can be prepared from locally available products will be provided to you

Favorite recipes

Measuring cups and spoons with both metric and nonmetric markings

Oven thermometer

Good vegetable peeler (virtually non-existent in Ukraine; the locals use a knife)

Favorite seasonings, such as Tabasco sauce, vanilla, Old Bay seasoning, cloves, taco spices, cumin, cayenne pepper, chili powder, soy sauce, and basil (although many spices are available locally at a fraction of the price)

Durable, water-resistant, and inexpensive watch, with an alarm if possible

Reliable alarm clock that runs without electricity

Flashlight or Headlamp - for reading on trains, walking home in the dark, or during power outages

Waffle Iron - You'll be the envy of all your volunteer friends when you whip up a batch of golden, delicious waffles! Make them for your colleagues! Make them for your neighbors or the babas who sit outside your apartment building. Everyone loves waffles.

Water bottle (Nalgene or similar) - Ukrainians, as a rule, drink a lot less water than Americans

Sewing kit (with safety pins)

Swiss Army knife with corkscrew or Leatherman tool (very useful)

Duct tape (can be used for all sorts of things)

Pictures of home to show your host family, students, friends, and colleagues

Games such as Scrabble, cards (decks of cards here have 36 cards, 6 and up), Uno

Quick-drying travel towel (available at www.rei.com) and washcloths

Travel books and other books to read - there is a Peace Corps library but selection is limited; the Bradt guide to Ukraine is better than the Lonely Planet

Day planner

Maps

School supplies - pens and markers here don't last very long; index cards, post-its may be useful

Compact sleeping bag - very useful for traveling, visiting other volunteers, or for keeping warm in a cold apartment